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Johannesburg and Namibia Shopping

Hello. We are planning to layover at the Grace in Rosebank for one night (thus staying in Jo'burg from 10:30am on Sat to 9am on Sunday). I see that there is a rooftop market at Rosebank mall on Sundays. We are interested in very nice crafts (not the mass-market ones) and were wondering what kind of curios are sold at this Sunday market. Would it be worth staying another day to go to it? We'll also be in Namibia and were wondering if someone could tell us the relative quality and price of Namibian and South African curios. Should we save our money for Jo'berg or spend it in Namibia?

Stayed at the Grace in October and shopped that Sunday morning at the rooftop place - just a block from your hotel's front door - on Bath Street. Very nice - carvings, weavings, etc. Excellent, and they will bargain. Opens at 9:00 or 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning only.

There is a wide range of art,crafts African art and even foods. I have always found many good quality things and try not to miss it when I am there. there is a gret atmosphere. Outside the market, on the streets, you will find a lot more vendors with a lot of indigenous art and carvings. I think it is very worthwhile, if you have the time.

Just to give you some idea of the things I have bought over the years, glassware, picture frames, beadwork, carvings, linens pottery, paintings, souvenirs, Judaica, ornaments made out of wire, a lot of African themed things, jewellery. there is really some high quality craft sutff there. I am a big craft show shopper and find some of the items there on a par with American craft shows.

In J'Burg, safety is an issue. At the rooftop market, you can shop without looking over your shoulder all the time. This is a terrific market, and when we were there, prices were marked down, and they were willing to bargain. Nice place, and terrific products to buy. It's part of a small mall - so take a look at the stores as well. Enjoy.

I'll be curious to see where the "Pleasures and Treasures of Southern Africa" book recommends shopping in southern africa. It's supposed to comes out in December. I used this line of guides to shop in Thailand with great success.